simplepretty

After a month spent living within the radius of our space heater (our house is about as uninsulated as they come), I’m thrilled that winter’s grip seems to be ending. The past couple of days have been tinged with spring sunshine, the most wonderful feeling. Things feel lighter and brighter, I’m smiling more … let’s hope this trend continues.

A few cheery, bring-on-spring photo favorites from Instagram and one from Flickr for your pre-Valentine’s enjoyment (sorry, no snow allowed):

1. Keira, Darcey and Patience …
2. One more of the Quilts we made …
3. In the sudan greengrocers …
4. more detailed pen and ink work to do …
5. color spec-in’
6. Pulled up all of these little sweets …
7. Back in stock …
8. Untitled
9. No words. #gravelgrey
10. Jars of hearts …
11. Today we are catching up …
12. IMG_4519

image at top by jane potrykus

Through his work, Brooklyn-based photographer Justin Chung seeks to convey the “realness” of moments. His photos, with an eye for the quotidian, feel a bit like personal snapshots, drawing you in and forging a connection to the subject at hand. A month-long assignment in Paris spent photographing artists and entrepreneurs brought about Chung’s first book, Faculty Department. Inspired by the back stories of his subjects (including Ten Belles and Belleville Brûlerie owner Thomas Lehoux), Chung saw the potential for a book. Faculty Department shines a spotlight on 13 influential creatives who collectively serve as his personal inspiration faculty (hence the title).

And what a debut it is: designed in conjunction with Vancouver design firm Studio Faculty, Faculty Department is gorgeously minimalist in design, which allows you to get a sense of each person’s distinctive style through the words and photos.

I was sold purely by the prospect of learning more about Frank Muytjens (he outshines Jenna Lyons as a J.Crew style ambassador, in my opinion) but a serendipitous surprise was that my favorite subject ended up being 98-year-old furniture designer Jens Risom. (I’m always eager to shore up my design knowledge.) Risom’s profile closes the inaugural volume, but as I enjoyed reading about every one of Chung’s picks — and have a few new personal design favorites because of it — here’s hoping there will be a sequel.

j.crew head of men’s design, frank muytjens + his dog, dutch

founder of the primary essentials, lauren snyder

head of design for GANT rugger, filippa hallestensson

photos by jane potrykus

please note: thanks to a mutual friend and a timely instagram comment, i was gifted a copy of faculty department. no promise of editorial coverage was made.

For Valentine’s Day, why not keep it super simple — and pretty — with these striking cards from In Haus Press? Black text on bright white never fails to appeal, and while I’m loving all of the French phrases (très chic), I think I’m indulging in a set of “xoxo” cards. I just hope the pink envelopes are available! Shop all of the options at Etsy.

xoxo card set

je t’aime

bon anniversaire

c’est la vie: for the ambivalent valentine

image credits: top photo from the in haus press blog, product shots from inhauspress.etsy.com

look 15: extended sleeve ribbed top + side slit skirt

Kate Wendelborn’s Spring 2015 collection for Protagonist is très fantastique. (I’ve been aching to see more since a teaser photo leaked online late last year.) The collection is a veritable utilitarian luxe® wardrobe with the little “something” added via the details. All of these looks are calling my name — wouldn’t the extended sleeves in look 15 (above) be practical for dealing with capricious spring weather? The complete lookbook and list of retailers, including The Line (but sadly, nothing in London — yet) is available to view at Protagonist’s website.

look 2: collar shirt + flare skirt

look 24: high neck seamed shift

photos by matthew sprout for protagonist.com 

January rolls on, and though many of my favorite photos from the last month are of Christmas (can Christmas be only three weeks ago?) I think we all can agree that holiday photos feel a bit tired at the moment. No, what we need/crave is lots of citrus, wide open spaces, and calm mixed with the spirit of possibility. Here are a few photos that are inspiring my January:

1. #detail of #Christmas #card. almost done! …
2. Saw this coastal big wheel …
3. Yes please @acnestudios …
4. Beep! Beep! …
5. New journey begins. #redeye
6. The Dewey Monument …
7. Quechee | VT
8. Sleeping buoys #Rockport
9. Fresh juice. …
10. #watercolourheadspace …
11. Lake…
12. senza titolo (2011) #marcotirelli
13. January
14. The Joy of Coffee ~ Aharon Coffee
15. Winter on the Bay

image at the top: clementines at the albion, photographed by jane potrykus and processed with shake it photo.